History of Canada Tell students this lesson they will learn the history of Canada, including how the fur trade impacted Canada’s First Nations people and later settlers.

Start Up Activity People of Canada were skilled at trapping animals and collecting their furs. When Europeans arrived in present-day Canada, they wanted to trade for these furs. Beaver pelts could be sold for a large profit in Europe. Furs became a sort of currency in N. America. One beaver pelt could be traded for 2 pairs of scissors, 20 fish hooks, a pair of shoes, 2 lbs. of gun powder, 2 axes, or a ½ pound beads. A dozen beaver pelts could be traded for a gun. Discuss: How might the fur trade have affected Native Canadians? Native people might become dependent on trade for food, weapons, and other goods if they concentrated on gathering furs rather than growing or hunting their own food.

What does Canada’s history have in common with the U.S.? Both were settled by Native peoples Europeans & other immigrants followed Many different kinds of people- tension among the groups Canada has resolved conflicts peacefully through compromise.

Migration to Canada 1000’s of years ago people migrated across a land bridge from Asia to western N. America. By 1500’s each native group had its own culture, shaped by geography & natural resources available.

First Nations Groups that lived south of Arctic region Shared similar lifestyles, used resources to build homes & make clothing. Had distinct political systems, economies & religious beliefs. Picture: First Nation’s chiefs 1867

First contact with Europeans Europeans arrived off the coast of E. Canada in the 1400’s. Looking for the route called Northwest Passage. Did not find, but found fish & fur. Both groups wanted to control the fur trade and territory. Europeans carried diseases and many natives died as trade began. European fisherman lived along the coast, drying their catches and returning to Europe each year. Europeans traded wool cloth & metal goods for American Indian fur.

What role did conflict play in relationships between Europeans & Native people of Canada? Britain and France had conflict over support of the natives, fur and territories. Conflicts became all-out war. Different Native groups fought each other.

First Nation Groups Algonquin Iroquois Plain Dwellers Yale/Yekooche Inuit   Skilled hunters that live in present day Quebec Canoes and dog sleds helped them hunt large areas. Lived in Southern Canada in large farming villages Grew corn in milder climate Traded corn for Algonquin forest products Lived to the west Structured their lives around hunting buffalo Mild climate, even farther west Resources from Pacific coast include salmon, whales and forests Live far north, near the Arctic region NOT called First Nations in Canada Migrated year-round in search of animals to hunt in their harsh climate

How did native groups who migrated long ago to areas in what is now Canada live? First Nations developed ways of life based on resources available. Students give examples of each First Nations group or Inuit.

British Canada As French & British settled their territories, conflicts grew. Each wanted to dominate the fur trade. Each had native people as allies & they fought each other French & Indian War (1756-1763) began in Europe then spread to the U.S. British won; Canada became part of the British empire. French Canada remained distinct in language, culture & religion. British fur traders also operated trading posts outside of New France. It was the best land for furs.

Do you think the lives of the Natives from Canada improved due to contact with Europeans?